Animal Shelter Adoption Counselors ~ On Wednesday evenings, KHS volunteers staff the Kalamazoo County Animal Services & Enforcement Shelter from 4:00-7:00 pm and serve as advisors to members of the public looking to adopt a new pet, find a lost pet, or turn in an animal for adoption. Volunteers clean cages and make animals comfortable for the night prior to leaving. Special training is provided by the Humane Society’s Volunteer Program Coordinator and lead Adoption Counselors. Volunteers help at least once a month and are asked to make a minimum six-month commitment. Volunteers must be 18 years of age, dependable and have reliable transportation.
Operation Fix-It (OFI) ~ This innovative program helps limited-income pet owners spay and neuter their cats and dogs. Operation Fix-It for cats utilizes volunteers to assist with animal check-in (7:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.) and check-out (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Volunteers must be 18 years of age, dependable and have reliable transportation.
Special Fundraising Events ~ Volunteers are needed to assist at the various events that KHS hosts each year. Volunteer opportunities normally require a three to four commitment. Work includes selling merchandise and raffle tickets, answering the public’s questions and providing information about the Humane Society and its programs and services, set up and tear down at events and various jobs.
Craft Show ~ Volunteers with the Kalamazoo Humane Society participate in an annual craft show. Donations of handmade craft items are needed for the show that takes place in December at Wings Stadium.
Pet Visitation ~ KHS volunteers and their pets make regularly scheduled visits to area nursing homes, hospitals and children’s facilities. Days, times and programs may vary from site to site. This program requires training, a one-year commitment, and a spayed/neutered and vaccinated pet. You must be 18 years of age and have reliable transportation.
Bulk Mailings ~ Many hands are needed to complete our mailing projects. Several times a year newsletters and other mailings are completed on weekday mornings and afternoons. Dates and times vary.
Educational Outreach Events ~ Volunteers should be able to answer questions about pet care, solutions to pet problems, information on animal welfare issues and provide detailed information on KHS animal assistance programs and services. Opportunities occur throughout the year at events such as the Kalamazoo County Fair, festivals and events, and to community and civic groups.
To inquire about these and other volunteer opportunities with KHS, please contact
Lynn Bolhuis, Volunteer Program Coordinator at (269) 345-1181.